Preparing Your Car for a Sydney to Brisbane Trip

The route from Sydney to Brisbane on the Pacific Highway is one of the most scenic road trips you can embark on in Australia.

The 920km journey can be finished in about 12 hours if you put the pedal to the metal, but where’s the fun in that? It’s a trip to be savoured with many interesting stopovers along the way as you meander through lush hinterland areas, rugged coastlines and quaint little towns.

Book ahead

Some of the stops not to be missed on this epic trek include Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Tweeds Head and, of course, the Gold Coast.

Driving your own car enables you to follow your own schedule and stop at any one of those towns to explore them more closely. Making frequent overnight stops also ensures that you are well-rested before heading out on the road again.

There are plenty of accommodation options along the way, whether you are looking for simple double rooms or group accommodation. However it’s always advisable to book ahead to avoid disappointment during the busy holiday periods.

Get the car ready

Before hitting the road, it’s important to perform some checks on your vehicle to ensure that it is in tip-top shape for the trip.

If you have been holding off on making any major repairs to your car, you should commit to doing so well in advance of a road trip. Complete these about a month before you head out as this will give you ample time to ensure that repairs have been carried out properly.

Here are some additional tips to ensure that your car is ready for the big trip:

• Routine maintenance: Send in your car for a “road trip check” to get an oil change if needed. Also check the coolant and brake fluid levels as well as other basic maintenance items such as air filters.
• Clean the car: You don’t want to carry unnecessary weight on long trips so be sure to clear out any unneeded items from the car boot and cabin. Plus, it’s always a good idea to be in a car that’s free from dust and junk when you’re going to spend long hours in it.
• Check the tyres: Be sure to have you tyres inflated at the proper pressure as low pressure tyres can be dangerous at high speeds. Also ensure that tyres (including the spare) are in good condition for the journey.
• Inspect your tools: In case of a tyre blow out, you will need the proper tools to change it, so be sure you have a full set of working emergency tools with you.
• Check documents: Ensure that your registration, car insurance, roadside assistance coverage and emergency contact numbers are all in order. It also wouldn’t hurt to have the car manual in the glove compartment.

Smart planning

As with almost everything in life, a little preparation before a road trip will save a lot of stress, money and precious time later.

So don’t wait until the last minute to plan your next trip to Brisbane from Sydney. Get started now and make sure that it is as much fun as it is relaxing and worry-free.